WHO I HELP

Owner-managed businesses. Family businesses. Family investment companies.

HOW I HELP

Statutory Accounting. Management Information. Budgeting. Forecasting. Digital Accounting Solutions. Being proactive in avoiding problems and seizing opportunities.

SECTORS/SUPPORT

Business services. Family business.

“I WANT EACH OF MY CLIENTS TO FEEL GENUINELY VALUED.”

Hugo Hill is a Director in our Business Advisory team. Based in Leeds, Hugo’s client portfolio predominantly consists of owner-managed businesses, family businesses, and family investment companies.

One of the reasons Hugo enjoys working with his clients and finds it so interesting is that they cover such a wide range of sectors and industries. He particularly appreciates client relationships in which there is regular, consistent support, through speaking and meeting a number of times throughout the year.

PROACTIVE RATHER THAN REACTIVE

“For me, the ideal relationship is one in which we are in communication throughout the year, as this allows us to be proactive rather than reactive. In my view, it’s much better to be able to proactively avoid problems and issues rather than having to be reactive and solve problems after they’ve already occurred. But whatever the nature of the relationship in terms of amount of contact, ultimately the most important thing for me is that I want each of my clients to feel genuinely valued, and able to come to me with anything. I want them to know they can always pick up the phone, no matter what the issue is.”

ACCURATE DATA ACCESSIBLE IN REAL TIME

“Clients expect the best possible service we can provide, and they expect us to fully understand their business so that we can help them whenever and however they need it. They also expect us to have up-to-date, accurate information that we can access in real time, and to add as much value as possible to their business.”

NAVIGATING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

“Working with family businesses can be tough, as there are personal relationships to take into account rather than purely professional ones. All families run into difficulties so, naturally, with business in the mix as well, this can cause issues, and sensitivities, which clients rightly expect we are able to navigate.”

SEEING CLIENTS & COLLEAGUES GROW

“The most satisfying aspects of working with clients is watching them grow and achieve their goals. It’s a great feeling knowing that we’ve contributed to that with the services we provide.

In terms of working with colleagues, the most satisfying thing is being part of a dynamic team and helping junior members to progress and reach their potential. Helping facilitate team development is something I really enjoy and find hugely rewarding.”

OFFERING HONEST OPINIONS

“Clients want us to be direct with them and challenge them where necessary, and if they are asking for our advice, they want us to give a genuine, honest opinion rather than being passive and accepting things.” 

FINDING THE RIGHT TECHNOLOGY

“Sometimes it can be easy for businesses to just stick with the ways things have always been done, and with multiple generations in the business there can sometimes be some resistance to embracing new technology.

So, often, one of the biggest challenges in my specialist area is owner-managed businesses needing to adapt to and embrace new technologies so they don’t fall behind in the market. It’s really important that we thoroughly understand our clients’ businesses so that we can help to identify exactly the kind of new technology that would be appropriate for them and that they could benefit from. For example, managing data with automation really helps to free up time so that clients can focus on their business.”

GROWING THE TEAM

“One of the things I’m most excited for in the future is helping to develop and grow the fantastic team we’ve got in Leeds. It’s also great being able to work closely with the rest of the wider AAB team, and for us all to have opportunities to constantly learn from each other.”

TRUSTED ADVISOR & MENTOR

“I always aim to be a trusted advisor to my clients, and a trusted mentor to the more junior members of our amazing team. I like to think I’m supportive, effective and compassionate when it comes to team development.”